Century-old city municipality building at Bunder to be restored

Century-old city municipality building at Bunder to be restored

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 07 2018: The 100-year-old building of the city municipality building near the old port at Bunder will soon be a historic monument as the Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) has plans to restore the structure to its original glory.

The building with an area of 6,000 sq ft approximately, is presently in a dilapidated condition. The building reminds the rich culture and heritage of Mangaluru. Hence, the MSCL has invited views and suggestions from citizens for the restoration of the building and its premises.

Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) commissioner and MSCL managing director Mohammed Nazeer told media that the old municipality building, which was built during the British era will be restored based on expert suggestions. "As a first step, we want to document and restore the building to its old glory. Suggestions are being invited from experts as to how the heritage structure can be restored without damaging it," Nazeer said.

MSCL will also seek suggestions regarding the upkeep of the heritage structure in future, he said. "Mangalore City Corporation, which was earlier a municipality, came into existence in 1980. It was through the enactment of the Madras Town Improvement Act 1865, the City Municipal Council was established in 1866. We will also prepare plan- based on suggestions as to whether it can be used for official purpose or as a structure to promote tourism," Nazeer said, adding that a detailed project report will be prepared soon after studying suggestions from experts.

He added that the old DC ’s office building located near the present DC office will be developed as an art gallery under the Smart City project.